Abstract

The morphology of Podura aquatica Linnaeus 1758 has been studied, and it has been attempted to single out synapomorphic characters enabling a location of this species within the order Collembola. It is concluded that Podura (for which the subordinal name Metaxypleona has been revived) is the sistergroup of Symphypleona + Neelipleona (inclusive of the Mackenziellidae).